“You mean he’s not to be trusted?”
“Not too fur, Ma’am—not too fur.”
“Then, why have the Desert people who want water from this ranch put their business into his hands?” demanded the girl.
“Have they, Miss Dale?” returned Lance, with surprise.
“Yes. He comes here and bothers Aunt Winnie a great deal. He came ’way East to see her and my father, about these water rights. He was very anxious then, and is extremely anxious now, to have the papers signed.”
“Wal, I hear tell Desert City, and them thereabout, are anxious to git water. But I wouldn’t have looked for Philo Marsh to lead ’em to it—not much. That air is surprising,” admitted the cowpuncher.
“Why does it so surprise you?” Dorothy asked, quickly.
“Why, tuh tell the truth,” drawled Lance, “I reckoned Philo would represent other int’rests—if any.”
“What interests?”
“Other people that’s honin’ for that Lost River supply.”